That’s as poetic as I get. But, my mediocre poetry is not the point here. I wrote this in a time of solitude, a time of rest. Read the poem again and answer the questions. Do you answer no to the majority? I wish I could say I answered yes to all. Our lives are filled with overflowing schedules full of work, school, family and running errands. I often feel overwhelmed with the never-ending to-do lists. It’s difficult to find a couple moments of silence. I encourage you to read God’s Word, pray or just sit in silence. We need to spend that time in solitude. It’s important to set aside that time just for God. No multitasking or distractions.
My solitary times fortify me to listen more clearly and to love better when I am in the presence of others. We are meant to commune together, which means to empathize, to relate to, to be close with. When I take time to perceive the world as it is—and myself as I am—I have more empathy and gratitude for those I encounter daily, be they friends or strangers. I spend time alone to cultivate my own joy and well-being, for the sake of becoming something worth sharing with others.” –Julie Pointer (Kinfolk Magazine)
Maybe you’re the person that loves to be around people all the time. The solitary times will make those social times even more enjoyable because you will be renewed. I challenge you to go somewhere alone and clear your mind of everything, yes everything. Focus on the scenery outside or just repeat a word (like Yahweh or Peace) over and over in your head until everything else melts away.
It’s hard! But, it’s one of the best ways to hear from God. He will speak to you in the silence, in the times of rest. Spend time in rest and trust in God’s Word. Many Psalms end with the word Selah. It means to pause.
Yahweh, help me to find those times of solitude so I may draw closer to You. I thank You for all you provide. Let me see the beauty of your creation and show me Your Love in unimaginable ways. Give me strength in the busy times and rest in the quiet times. Selah. Amen.
Listen to Audrey Assads song Restless
Oh thank you so much for this. And thank you for sharing the song! Absolutely beautiful.
“I’m restless ’til I rest in You.”
Thank you for sharing this. I find it can be so difficult to stop what I am doing and sit in silence with God. Yet, that is what fills my heart with peace and joy. I forget so often that my heart is hungry- I go searching for ways to fill that hunger, and all it takes is a moment with my King. It reminds me of Luke 10:38-42:
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
When we sit at the feet of Jesus, we choose the better thing- even as our lives are busy and filled with chores! Thank you for this reminder. I needed it!
I’m so glad you found this encouraging. The book “Having a Mary heart in a Martha world is all about what you’re talking about. I’d recommend it!